55.9% WANT 10 PLAYERS IN 65's

June 1, 2010 – Jack Sirard contributing writer

For many years there has been a raging debate about how many players should be allowed on the field in the 65 age division.

Should the number of players playing defense remain at 10 or should it be increased to 11 for the 65 age bracket? (Current rules allow 11 defenders for age brackets 70 and older and limits the 65 and younger divisions to 10 defensive players.)

In an effort to see what the teams want themselves, Senior Softball USA used a new survey program to poll managers across the country to get their input and their reasoning on the question.

The response was overwhelming: 73.9 percent of 65-division managers answered the survey.

Here’s what we found: Of the 68 responses, 55.9 percent supported keeping the number of fielders at 10 and 44.1 percent believe it should be increased to 11 defensive players.

“We would like to thank the managers for responding and helping to guide us through this controversial issue,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer. “It is clear that the majority of managers endorse 10 defensive players, therefore we will not change our rule.”

The Rules Committee requested the survey at the SSUSA Convention in Nashville when the issue surfaced last year. Hennessy said the results of the survey would be presented to the Rules Committee at the SSUSA Convention in Tucson in December.

The following is a sampling of the responses for those in favor of keeping the number at 10:

“65- to 70-year-old players are still quick and agile enough to cover the ground.”

“I think the extra player takes away from the game and causes confusion for the infield. I play with both 10 and 11 and prefer the 10.”

“I sure hope you leave it at 10 players. I played with 11 players at one tournament last year and didn’t care for it. It also requires you to have one more player at a tournament and some time that can be a problem.”

“Eleven players change the game of softball too much. It is also hard to get enough 65 players in the less populated areas.”

“I do not favor 11 players at any age. Having said that, I can accept that having 11 players makes it easier for the 75 and 80 age groups. Let’s not mess up the game like what happened with the ill-fated pitcher’s rule. Let’s keep the game as it was intended.”

“If it is not broke, why would you want to try to fix or change it?”

Those favoring increasing the number of defenders from 10 to 11 had this to say:

“This will reduce the number of balls hit up the middle and protect the pitcher. It will also speed up the game and reduce the number of runs scored. In addition, it gives another player on the roster an opportunity to play defense versus sitting on the bench.”

“It just allows more the opportunity for more players to have a chance to get on the field. At our age, we will not get that many more chances.”

“This game has become too offensive. We need to balance with defense. Eleven players might also relieve pressure on the pitcher especially for those who take it up the middle. Moreover, it gives more opportunity for more players and more credit to someone who might be better defensively than offensively. I know in fast-pitch that they have a designated player who is a defensive specialist.”

“I believe that it would make much closer, lower scoring games.”

“All Senior Softball should have 11 defensive players and mandatory that the middle fielder bbe in a 10-foot circle of second base when the ball is released from the pitcher. The only reason for the extra player if for safety reasons and if he does not have to play in the middle, it defeats the purpose.”

“This should have been done long ago. It gets more people involved in the sport and also helps manager use more of their rosters.”